Electromyography (EMG)
An EMG procedure may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your physician's practices. The EMG is performed by a neurologist, although a technologist may also perform some portions of the test. The EMG is usually performed immediately following a nerve conduction study (a test that measures the flow of current through a nerve before it reaches the muscle rather than the response of muscle itself).
Generally, an EMG procedure follows this process:
- You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses, hearing aids, or other metal objects that may interfere with the procedure.
- You will be asked to sit or lie down for the test.
- A neurologist will locate the muscle(s) to be studied.
- Ten or more needle insertions may be necessary for the test. You may experience slight pain with the insertion of the electrode, but it is usually painless.
- The electrical activity from your working muscle will be measured and displayed on the oscilloscope.
